The event aims to celebrate our strong local curlew population and raise awareness for their plight across the north of England and globally. All ages and levels of interest and experience are very welcome. Over 600 people visited the castle over the Curlew Festival weekend last year and were able to learn more about these beautiful and iconic birds.
The weekend will include a series of family friendly activities, from guided curlew safaris to family painting and writing activities, a Society of Wild Life Artists exhibition, plus poetry, music and talks for those with an interest in learning more or getting involved.
The weekend is being organised by environmental journalist and writer Karen Lloyd; Society of Wildlife Artists member Fiona Clucas; Mary Colwell, who walked 500 miles to raise awareness for curlews and Tom Orde-Powlett.
Charities including The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, British Trust for Ornithology, Wader Quest and independent conservationists will all be present to share their knowledge and experience.
To book places on any of the activities, please email tom@boltoncastle.co.uk or call Bolton Castle on 01969 623981. For enquiries relating to the art exhibition please email Fiona Clucas on fulmus@btinternet.com
FRIDAY 8 JUNE
1000-1230: Curlew Safaris (£10/head). Keeper led in estate vehicles. BOOK NOW
0930-1230: Curlew Photography (£30/head). Andrew Robinson in vehicles & possibly hides. BOOK NOW
1300-1530: Curlew Safaris (£10/head). Keeper led in estate vehicles. BOOK NOW
1430 – 1730: Curlew Photography (£30/head). Andrew Robinson in vehicles & possibly hides BOOK NOW
1100-1600: Drop in session, Wader Quest and Yorkshire Dales Moorland Group stands in Great Chamber. People available in great Chamber to discuss curlews with members of public.
1900-2030: Society of Wildlife Artists Exhibition Viewing, with champagne and canapés in Great Chamber and Curlew Talk. BOOK NOW
SATURDAY 9 JUNE
1000-1230: Curlew Safaris (£10/head). Keeper led in estate vehicles. BOOK NOW
0930-1230: Curlew Photography (£30/head). Andrew Robinson in vehicles & possibly hides BOOK NOW
1000-1300: Family Curlew Art and Writing Workshops and Musical Activities (£5/family) with Planet Birdsong. Karen Lloyd, Fiona Clucas and Peter & Liz Cowdrey in Great Chamber (and Solar). FREE
1030 – 1230: Drop in session with Wader Quest and YDMG Stands.
1300-1530: Curlew Safaris (£10/head). Keeper led in estate vehicles. BOOK NOW
1400-1630: Afternoon Tea and Talks (£15). BOOK NOW
1900: Curlew Choir, Readings and Poetry, with Karen Lloyd, Mary Keith and Mary Colwell plus music by Peter and Liz Cowdrey of Planet Birdsong in lunch hut, followed by Barbecue (£15). Camping in lunch hut optional. BOOK NOW
SUNDAY 10 JUNE
1000-1200: Guided River Walk with Estate Ghilly, Brian Towers (£5) BOOK NOW
1000-1200: Birdsong Recording with Peter Cowdrey £20. BOOK NOW
1030-1230: Writers Panel and Q&A with Karen Lloyd and Mary Colwell in Great Chamber. £10. BOOK NOW
1000-1500: Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust Mobile Classroom and River Table in Car Park. Free, drop in any time.
1330 – 1500: Ring Ouzel Walk with Richard Wells (£5). BOOK NOW
